Foreigners given 72-hours to acquire work permits in S. Sudan

April 26, 2022 (JUBA) – Authorities in South Sudan have issued a 72-hour notice for all foreign workers to acquire and present valid work permits.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, South Sudan’s Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management minister, Peter Mayen Majongdit directed all the security organs to verify the validity of the work permits of the foreign workers in the country.

“My patience is coming to an end, therefore for every action, there is an equal reaction. I personally advise all Kenyan(s) government working with the UN agents, International NGOs, and National NGOs at all levels e.g. boma, payam, counties and national level to seek their work permit and other relevant documents to avoid inconvenience within 72 hours….other nationalities I also advise them to do so.., it a reality in action, and am kindly advising all to comply”, partly reads the statement.

Majongdit said many foreign were in the country without valid documents.

South Sudan gained independence in July 2011 and many in the region saw it as lacking a skilled workforce, specifically in the construction industry, transport, health, education, hotel management, agriculture, manufacturing and mining.

Perceived or real opportunities have attracted a huge influx of foreign nationals to migrate into the country for work. Despite prevailing conflict which stagnated the economy compounded with unprecedented unemployment levels, the country remains a destination of choice for foreign workers seeking employment within humanitarian organizations, UN agencies, oil companies, among others, forcing government to put in place laws to protect jobs meant for the country’s nationals.

(ST)